NHTSA has received 32 owner complaints about the 2020 Mazda Mazda3, or 4.8 per year on the road — far fewer complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 0.11, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 82 model-year 2020 vehicles we track, it ranks #7 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Mazda models its rate is 60% lower; against other Compact cars it is 79% lower.
Counts are normalized by time on the road, not by sales volume: a popular model generates more reports than a rare one, and complaints are not verified individually. How we count
Complaints filed between 2020-09-29 and 2026-07-02. Median delay from incident to filing: 41 days.
32Complaints
4.8Complaints per year on the road
0.11Complaint index vs. all tracked vehicles
2Recalls
0.0%Share involving a crash or fire
5Last 12 months
Analysis
The previous model year (2019) drew 9.6 complaints per year, more than this one. The following model year (2021) drew 8.6 per year, more than this one. In its first two years on the road the 2020 model collected 12 complaints, 79% lower than the average vehicle of the same model year.
The most common problem area is Driver-assist systems (40.6% of complaints), followed by Brakes (9.4%) and Steering (9.4%). Driver-assist systems complaints are 7.1 times as common here as across all tracked vehicles. Within Driver-assist systems reports, owners most often mention “radar”, “braking”, “sounded”, “collision warning” and “distance”. No report describes a crash, fire, injury or death.
Half of the reported incidents happened within 28 months of the model year's start; the busiest period was the second year (31% of incidents). 5 complaints were filed in the last 12 months.
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for this model year. 50% of the complaints fall in component areas that a recall addresses.
Complaint index
vs. all tracked vehicles0.11
vs. other Mazda models0.4
vs. other 2020 models0.13
vs. other Compact cars0.21
Complaints in first 2 years on the road · vs. same-year average (12)0.21
Low pressure fuel pump failure with 75,575 miles on odometer. Fuel pump completely seized. Car was parked at a retail location and would not start. Upon troubleshooting, mechanic was able to determine the low pressure pump was not delivering fuel.
Fuel system · 2026-07-02 · ODI 11748076
size 21545ZR18 93Y. replaced these oem tires with these from costco on feb 27 2025. in dec 5 2025 the tire developed a large bubble. miles bought was 27790. current miles 31212. per tire center steal belting was broken no signs of road hazard or other damage.
Wheels, tires & suspension · 2026-03-13 · ODI 11724244
My Mazda3 began producing a chirp when shifting from 3rd to 4th gear (automatic transmission). The dealer stated that the car needed a new torque converter. At the time the car only 37,000 miles on it, quite low mileage for a torque converter to fail.
Transmission / powertrain · 2026-02-19 · ODI 11719227
I pulled into the driveway (at about 5 mph) of my passenger's home, when a very loud, metallic pop occurred somewhere inside my vehicle. I could not discern the problem by visually inspecting the car.
Wheels, tires & suspension · 2025-11-18 · ODI 11700190
TSB 02-003/24 Car front suspension bolts corroded and making metal on metal sounds during turning and braking
Steering · 2025-11-16 · ODI 11699700
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER Campaign 20V346000 · 2020-06-12
Summary: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020 CX-30 and Mazda3 vehicles. The front brake caliper mounting bolts may not have been tightened properly during assembly, possibly allowing the calipers to loosen.
Risk: Loose brake calipers can reduce braking performance or interfere with wheel rotation, affecting vehicle handling. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front brake caliper bolts, tightening them as necessary. If bolts are missing, the affected brake caliper will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 24, 2020. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4420F.
Summary: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mazda3 vehicles. The Smart Brake System (SBS) can falsely detect an obstacle while driving, activating the automatic emergency braking system and suddenly stopping the vehicle.
Risk: Stopping the vehicle unexpectedly increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will update the SBS software. In addition, vehicles with certain production dates will receive an instrument cluster software update or replacement and a replacement owner's manual. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2020. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4219L.
No NHTSA investigation covers the tracked model years.
Frequently asked questions
How many complaints were filed for the 2020 Mazda Mazda3?
32 complaints were filed with NHTSA for the 2020 Mazda Mazda3, or about 4.8 per year on the road.
What is the most common problem reported for the 2020 Mazda Mazda3?
The most common category is Driver-assist systems, accounting for 40.6% of complaints.
Does the 2020 Mazda Mazda3 have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 2 safety recall(s) for this model year.
Is the 2020 Mazda Mazda3 still generating complaints?
5 complaints were filed in the last 12 months.
How does the 2020 Mazda Mazda3 compare with similar vehicles?
NHTSA has received 32 owner complaints about the 2020 Mazda Mazda3, or 4.8 per year on the road — far fewer complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 0.11, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 82 model-year 2020 vehicles we track, it ranks #7 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Mazda models its rate is 60% lower; against other Compact cars it is 79% lower.